Police admit they cannot stop Austrian woman who has scratched 1,000 cars

'As long as the legal situation stays as it is, our hands are unfortunately tied' police commander says

'The woman mainly chooses black vehicles' (iStock)

Austrian police have admitted they are unable to stop a woman who has scratched around 1,000 cars over six years.

A court ruled the 25-year-old woman could not be held legally accountable for her actions due to her mental health, The Local reports.

Police in Styria said there is nothing they can do until she is reported for a crime with a punishment of at least a year in jail.

“As long as the legal situation stays as it is, our hands are unfortunately tied," police commander Dietmar Jeglitsch said.

"Neither police nor the state prosecutors can do anything at this moment."

Police said around 1,000 people have been targeted by the woman, though the figure is "likely to be much higher".

“There is always a zig zag pattern," Mr Jeglitsch added. "The woman mainly chooses black vehicles."